‘Jeopardy!’ gives Broadway a boost

This undated image released by "Jeopardy!" shows actress Laura Osnes, who stars as the title character in the Broadway production of "Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella," center, with the clue crew, Kelly Miyahara, left, and Jimmy McGuire from the game show "Jeopardy!"

NEW YORK — Answer: It’s the TV show that’s spreading the word about Broadway. Question: What is “Jeopardy!”

The hit syndicated game show hosted by Alex Trebek has always sprinkled in theater clues since its debut in 1984 but lately has been upping the ante.

For the 10th anniversary of “Wicked” late last month, the TV show took the unprecedented step of having an entire category dedicated to the musical. And producers are doing it again on Tuesday for “Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella.”

The TV show taped the clues with Cinderella herself — star Laura Osnes did a video clue in her ball gown costume — on June 14 at the show’s home at the Broadway Theatre. The actual contest was taped in September.